TO WHAT EXTENT CAN VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE PERFORM THE ROLE IT HAS BEEN ASSIGNED FOR THE FUTURE?

The paper analyses the patterns in attaining the goals and the role of vernacular architecture in various temporal, social and spacial settings. The methodology obtained forms the basis for the assumptions regarding the extent to which vernacular architecture may meet its expectations. The analysis consists of three basic groups of experience in terms of measurable and unmeasurable criteria, with the goals to differentiate, unify and raise awareness, and in terms of positive and negative experiences with meeting the criteria and performing the role in the field of vernacular architecture. The paper's basic conclusion is that the goals have mainly been perceived as positive. The first positive intentions have always generated positive results although they have also been exploited for negative activities. Expert opinions, many of which were presented during the past eight Alpe-Adria vernacular architecture conferences, and sample local, i.e. geographically definable, opinions, goals, laws and expectations have given life to a simulation with the aim of establishing which of the present expectations vernacular architecture can live up to in the future. The study shows that both positive and negative results are possible. The former may be a higher level of awareness of both experts and lay people, greater political responsibility in terms of integral protection of the habitat, the latter, on the other hand, may be described as influences of short-term commercialisation and narrowing our interests to exceptional achievements exclusively.